Dense Sodium Carbonate

HC Deb 23 December 1982 vol 34 c629W

Mr. Harold Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many suppliers there are in the United Kingdom of dense sodium carbonate.

Mr. MacGregor

There are several, but the exact number is not known in my Department.

Mr. Harold Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will estimate the proportion of manufacturing costs to the glass container industry that is represented by dense sodium carbonate.

Mr. MacGregor

I understand that dense sodium carbonate represents about one-eighth of the direct production costs of a major United Kingdom glass container producer, but this will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Mr. Harold Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will take steps to ensure fair competition within the European Economic Community in the manufacture of glass containers by the harmonisation of prices of dense sodium carbonate.

Mr. MacGregor

It is not the role of the Department of Industry to seek harmonisation of prices in this area.